Counterterrorism focused report that analyses the appeal of AQAP in relation to local governance failures in Yemen. It also includes an analysis of local governance in Yemen with a focus on its potential contribution to counterinsurgency operations.
In this Policy Focus, Daniel Green, a former defense fellow at The Washington Institute, draws on extensive research and interviews with Yemeni officials and civil society leaders to propose a new framework for defeating AQAP. His recommendations call for a U.S. strategy that extends beyond using strictly counterterrorism approaches and encompasses governance reform, capacity building, and enlisting locals in their own defense. Only through the active participation of communities in their security and governing can AQAP truly be defeated.
Other resources you may be interested in:
Local Service Provision During War: A Case Study of Yemen
This journal article analyzes how conflict has shaped local service delivery across five Yemeni governorates and shows how governance capacity, political stability, resources, and external support, in particular humanitarian aid, effect outcomes. By analyzing how these elements shape local governance capacities, the paper highlights the disparities in service delivery and the challenges faced by local […]
Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) – Final Evaluation Report.
This final project evaluation assesses the UNDP SIERY project’s performance from 2020–2025 in strengthening local governance, public service delivery, and economic resilience across nine governorates in Yemen. Given this project has been the largest project in terms of funding volume and geographical coverage supporting local governance in Yemen, it offers interesting insights in the opportunities […]
Pathways for Reconciliation – Impact of the Conflict on Social Cohesion and Reconciliation in Yemen
This report presents findings from consultations across seven Yemeni governorates on how conflict has affected social cohesion and reconciliation, and offers community-based recommendations for peacebuilding and local resilience. It inclues a discussion of trust within communities and with local authorities, providing a district-level breakdown of perceptions.
